Curtains Complete opens in Norwalk

Just in time for warm weather, an ideal time to redecorate, Curtains Complete has opened in Norwalk thanks to Linda Stewart and her partner Ben Wong.

Stewart has operated a successful fabric and upholstery business, By the Yard, on Westport Avenue for 22 years. Wong, a longtime friend of Stewart, complained to her that he didn't want to wait months for curtains for his living room. He went on a search for stylish, attractive, lined ready made curtains, but had no luck. He and Stewart began to realize there was a need in Fairfield County for custom quality drapery at ready-made prices, which was available immediately or in a few days, not several months, as is the case with custom.

"Our typical customer is a sophisticated homeowner who probably thinks custom curtains were the only option," explained Stewart.

"But Curtains Complete provides that custom quality with the convenience and value of ready-made. We have a broad selection for every style from traditional to contemporary across a variety of color palettes. We're full service, which means that we can always help make suggestions to complete a room design. It's not unusual for our customers to buy curtains from Curtains Complete and have a complementary pillow, slipcovers, or a bed skirt custom made at By the Yard."

Unlike mail order and catalog retailers Curtains Complete provides customers with the ability to touch, feel and see the actual products, not just see a small swatch. As a service to its customers, Curtains Complete loans out an entire panel so customers can see the finished product in the room setting. And, unlike a mail order retailer, if the customer isn't handy with a drill, Curtains Complete is happy to provide in-home installation. All of the window treatments are made to the same high quality standard Stewart has always provided at By the Yard, but now because of quantity production she can offer a beautiful product at 1/3 the price of custom.

"Our clients can save money on high quality drapery, which frees up their budgets for the details that really give a room that sophisticated custom feel, such as a coordinating slipcover or a pillow with a selected trim that picks up the accent colors in the carpet."

Finding the right quality and selection of curtains, valances and roman shades took three years of research. Eventually Stewart and Wong found manufacturers who could cost-effectively produce quality products with reliable dye lots that they are proud to sell. Curtains Complete features silk curtains that are lined and interlined, and the cotton prints are made with quality lining fabric that adds body and protection to the curtain panel once it's hung. They also offer a selection of valances, roman shades and stylish bamboo shades.

Pre-made window treatments will never eliminate the need for certain custom product, but it is a wonderful option to have at a reasonable price, especially if a homeowner wants to change the look of a room or update a child's room, for example.

Check out both Curtains Complete and By The Yard, open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. -6 p.m., at 179 Westport Ave., Norwalk,, Call 203-354-3533, or visit www.curtainscomplete.com.